Outlook: After two straight AL Central titles and an American League pennant in 2012, the window of opportunity for the Tigers is wide open. Cabrera, Verlander and Fielder are in their primes, and if Martinez can return strong after a knee injury cost him all of 2012, the lineup will be even more formidable.

Outlook: The White Sox spent 117 days in first place last season, only to finish three games behind Detroit after a late fade. Now, they believe they are poised to challenge for the division crown. Never mind that they made no splashy acquisitions. The biggest moves were re-signing Peavy and locking in Sale with a new contract.

Outlook: General manager Dayton Moore might have said it best: “It’s time we start winning baseball games.” The Royals haven’t had a winning season since 2003, and haven’t been to the playoffs since 1985. But they wouldn’t have traded Brett Myers for pitching help if they didn’t believe the pieces were in place for a breakthrough season.

Outlook: Mauer and Morneau will enter the season healthier than they have been in years, with both looking to build off bounce-back years in 2012. But even if they return to their MVP-type production levels, the Twins will be hard-pressed to get back into contention.